Major upgrades are on the horizon for the City of Paterson's Spruce Street along the Great Falls Historic District.

Mayor Andre Sayegh says work is underway at 50 Spruce St. and 98 Spruce St. to reimagine the spaces, not demolish the buildings.

Low-income housing is expected for 98 Spruce St. The 50 Spruce St. structure will be home to 38 mixed-use housing units, retail space and a restaurant.

Sayegh hopes the 50 Spruce St. spot will also drive in tourism for the city and its national historical park. He says efforts are underway to have the spaces completed by some time next year.

"Our goal is to make the Great Falls New Jersey's number one tourist destination," said Sayegh. "This (50 Spruce St.) project will help enhance the Great Falls attraction."

Sayegh says the city has lowered the number of abandoned properties by 90% just in the last seven years.

Taxpayers won't be fronting the bill for the two projects - it's private development.